In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol lifted martial law early Wednesday, just hours after imposing it in a controversial move to combat what he described as “anti-state” forces. The decision followed a tense night marked by protests, military intervention, and an emergency vote by lawmakers to reject his declaration.
Martial Law Imposed and Rejected
President Yoon declared martial law late Tuesday in response to opposition-controlled parliament actions that he claimed were paralyzing the government. He accused lawmakers of sympathizing with North Korea and vowed to eradicate these so-called “anti-state” elements.
Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can impose martial law in situations of war or national emergency. However, many questioned whether such conditions were present, making the move unprecedented since the nation’s democratization in 1987.
Parliament quickly convened an emergency session, where lawmakers from both parties united to overrule the president. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declared the martial law declaration “invalid” and vowed to protect democracy.
Protests and Military Presence
The declaration spurred widespread protests near the National Assembly. Hundreds of demonstrators waved banners and called for Yoon’s impeachment. Clashes between protesters and soldiers occurred, with one woman famously trying to grab a soldier’s rifle, asking, “Aren’t you embarrassed?”
Inside the Assembly, lawmakers voted unanimously to lift martial law. Television footage captured scenes of soldiers surrounding the building, with military helicopters landing on the premises, evoking memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past.
Criticism from Allies and Opponents
Yoon faced backlash not only from the opposition but also from members of his conservative People Power Party. Party leader Han Dong-hoon condemned the declaration as “wrong,” while opposition leader Lee Jae-myung labeled it “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Internationally, the White House expressed concern, with officials stating they were not informed of the declaration beforehand. Despite the turmoil, the U.S. Department of Defense reported no impact on the 27,000 American troops stationed in South Korea.
A Struggling Presidency
President Yoon has faced declining approval ratings and fierce opposition in parliament since taking office in 2022. His administration has been locked in battles over budgetary decisions and impeachment efforts targeting senior prosecutors.
Yoon’s martial law declaration appears to have been a desperate attempt to assert control over the legislature, with some analysts comparing it to a “Hail Mary pass” with slim chances of success. However, the move may have backfired, as it further alienated political allies and bolstered calls for his impeachment.
Historical and Political Context
This episode marks the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee. Analysts have warned that Yoon’s actions represent a troubling regression for South Korea’s democracy, which has a history of overcoming authoritarianism through mass protests and legal processes.
As Yoon now faces likely impeachment, this incident underscores the deep divisions within South Korean politics and serves as a stark reminder of the country’s authoritarian past. For many, it also highlights the resilience of its democratic institutions, as lawmakers and citizens swiftly mobilized to reject an executive overreach.
